Academic Policy

Transparency and Accountability – Empowering Students for Success

At ACATCM, we are committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers in acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and integrative medicine. Our academic policy is designed to ensure that students receive a rigorous and comprehensive education that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment where students can excel academically and professionally. We believe that by maintaining high standards of academic performance and promoting a culture of learning, we can help our students achieve their full potential and become leaders in their fields.

Expectations

Students are expected to preview the instructors’ notes and required textbooks before each class. Written and practical exams are used to assess proficiency and knowledge; however, they are not the only measures of competence. Attendance, participation, professionalism, and clinical performance are other important factors in evaluating the student’s progress.

Students should respect the rights of fellow students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other persons associated with the College, and in return, have their rights respected.

Confidential information provided by the students will remain private and will not be distributed to third parties without the student’s knowledge and written consent.

The College encourages freedom of expression and thought by all students and faculty members.

Academic Standing

The academic standing for enrolled students will be reviewed after each spring semester.

Definition:

  • Satisfactory standing: an overall grade of at least 65% will be considered as in good academic standing.
  • Students will be placed on academic probation if their overall grade is at least 50% but less than 65%.
  • Students will be required to withdraw from the program if they have achieved an overall grade of less than 50%

Academic probation:

  • Students will be restated in satisfactory standing if they have achieved an overall grade of at least 65% since their previous review
  • Students will be required to withdraw from the program if they have achieved an overall grade of less than 65% since their previous review

Appeal process:

  • A student who is dissatisfied with the probation decision may appeal to the Dean of Students.
  • The appeal must be submitted in writing within 28 days of the letter notifying the probation decision.
  • The Dean of Students will consider all the relevant documentation and may, at his or her discretion, consult the Director for a final decision.
  • The Dean of Students may also interview any parties related to the appeal.
  • The Dean of Students will notify his or her findings, reviews, and final decision on the appeal in writing to the student filed an original appeal.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes; attendance will be taken and kept on record.

The student is responsible for providing satisfactory written evidence to the instructor to substantiate the reason for absence. Among the reasons that absences are considered excused by the college are the following:

  • Death or major illness in a student’s immediate family.
  • Illness of a dependent family member.
  • Participation in legal proceedings or administrative procedures that require a student’s presence.
  • Religious holiday.
  • An illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class. A doctor’s note is required.
  • Severe weather or road conditions. A written note is required for record-keeping.

Grading Standards

Grading System for written, oral, practical as well as clinical practice evaluations are based on the following standards:

Letter Grade% Scale
A95%+
A-90 – 94%
B+85 – 89%
B80 – 84%
B-75 – 79%
C+70 – 74%
C65 – 69%
FLess than 65%

The passing grade in all courses is a “C”. Students who do not manage to pass a course may be given permission by the College to take the course again. The student must present their request to re-take a course in writing and a decision will be made by the Faculty Board after a review of the student’s overall progress and standings. Permission is subject to the availability of classroom space.

Course Challenges

Students may be given advanced credit for the course(s) upon the successful completion of a proficiency exam. Students will not receive a refund on tuition fees for challenged courses and a $100.00 proficiency examination fee may apply.

Library Policy

  • A book is only on loan for a period of 21 days.
  • If a student wishes to renew a book at that time he/she may do so if no one else wishes to sign that book out.
  • A maximum of 3 books may be signed out in a student’s name simultaneously.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to keep books in the same condition as they were loaned. If a book is returned marked or dirty, the student may be charged twice the original cost of the book depending on availability.
  • A fee of $0.50/day will be charged for each overdue book.

Misconduct

Students must conduct themselves in a responsible manner and any of the following shall constitute improper student conduct:

  • Cheating, plagiarism, fraud, deceit, or other forms of academic dishonesty.
  • Threatening or subjecting any person, student, or staff, to physical, sexual, or mental harassment, indignity, injury or violence.
  • Disturbing, disrupting, or otherwise interfering with studies, laboratories, lectures, work or other activities of fellow students or staff.
  • Intentionally damaging, destroying, or moving property, without the authority of the College, or of any student or staff member.
  • Unauthorized use of or unauthorized entry to College property.
  • Participation in unauthorized or hazardous campus activities.
  • Failure to obey the lawful instructions of any College official or employee acting in the performance of his or her duty and failure to obey all published or posted regulations relating to the use and entry of College buildings and facilities.
  • Failure to obtain approval, permission, or to follow the procedure as required under College policies and regulations.

A single offence of cheating, plagiarism, or other academic misconduct on term work, tests, or final examinations, etc., may lead to disciplinary probation or a student’s suspension or expulsion from the College by the dean if it is determined that the offence warrants such action.

Penalties

All students should act in accordance with College policies, standards, procedures, and regulations. Students who do not act accordingly may be subject to disciplinary action as outlined by the regulation of policy on Students’ Discipline.

  1. Failing Grade – A student may be given a failing grade in either an exercise or course in which that student is found guilty of plagiarism, cheating or other academic misconduct.
  2. Disciplinary Probation -The student shall be permitted to maintain registration. The student is expected to attend all classes and activities under specific conditions. A student under probation who meets the conditions within a time frame shall redeem their normal status. Failure to meet the conditions shall result in suspension or even expulsion from the College.
  3. Suspension – Students may be suspended from attending classes for a period of time, depending on the alleged violation. The Director will decide when a student can return to class. It is the student’s full responsibility during this period of time to self-study. It is not the responsibility of the College for missed classes.
  4. Expulsion – Students that are expelled from the College will be withdrawn from the program, and maybe banned from the College and grounds. There will be no refund of any fees and all outstanding fees and debts to the College and materials on loan must be returned immediately.
  5. Effects of Suspension or Expulsion – A student suspended or expelled may not apply, or be considered for readmission to the College until at least twelve months after the end of the session in which the academic offence takes place.
  6. Standard Appeal Policy – The Director has the right to take disciplinary action when students violate rules and regulations. Students who feel that they have been inappropriately disciplined may appeal the matter. The student must appeal within 14 days of notice. The appeal meeting will include faculty members, the director, and the students involved.

Withdrawals

The following circumstances and restrictions apply when a student wishes to withdraw from the enrolled program or courses.

  • A student must complete a withdrawal form and submit it to the registration office. (Withdrawal form can be obtained through our administration office.)
  • Full or partial tuition may be refundable depending on the progress of scheduled classes. Our refund policy follows the guidelines of the Alberta Private Vocational Traning Regulation. A copy of the act is available at the Registrar’s office.
  • The refund will be based on the date withdrawal forms are received.
  • Non-attendance will not automatically be considered as a withdrawal.

Graduation Policy

To graduate,

  • Students must complete the program within six years.
  • No student may complete the program in less than three years.
  • Students must complete all first and second-year courses before commencing their final clinical internship.
  • Full-time attendance may be required in the final year of clinical training.
  • Students must complete all required courses in the time allowed.
  • Students must clear all financial obligations with the ACATCM.
  • Students must return all outstanding library books (See Library Policies).
  • Students must receive approval from the Board of Directors.

Current students are recommended to check for updates on ACATCM365
Contact us if you have concerns

Scroll to Top